Folk Law, Fiction, or Fact?
Is this a tale, a fantasy concealed in reality, a yarn—not a fable of a family visually able to turn your head around without making a sound? Is this a gift, a curse, or even worse--a joke, a goof, a spoof, or just the truth?
So that you might better understand the nature of this potentially heartbreaking affliction my family has been encumbered with, I have assembled some actual photos of my Negron Family members who suffer this innate infirmity—The Negron Curse!
Top, left to right: Chuck Negron, Sr. (father); Chuck Negron, Jr.; Rene Negron (brother)
Bottom, left to right: Chuck Negron III (son); Conrad Negron (uncle); Ashton Negron (grandson, son of Chuck III)
“Acceptance is the answer to ALL my problems today.
When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation—
some fact of my life—unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until
I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way
it is supposed to be at that moment.”*
The Negron family has learned to accept what for most would be seen as a blessing, not something that would encumber you. I might appear disingenuous and narcissistic to address this personal issue as a potential problem; however, The Negron Clan has at times experienced anguish and confusion when dealing with our dilemma…
TERMINAL GOOD LOOKS!
My Teenage Odyssey
As a middle schooler, a beautiful high school co-ed approached me. She explained she was frightened walking to her apartment alone and asked if I would escort her. Upon arriving at her door, she engaged in conversation and began touching my hair. What kind of a person messes with a boy’s hair? Annoyed, and at a loss for words, I left.
An older boy in the neighborhood, who always hung out on the corner in front of the candy store, called me over and wanted to know how I was able to hook up with an older high school girl. I explained what had happened. He was completely baffled when he realized I was unable to assess the romantic potential of the situation. In fact, I couldn't relate to, nor accept, the concept of this popular girl possibly liking me!
At that point, the conversation got weird and awkward for me. I was a naive boy who was never comfortable with obscenities and vulgarity. In my apartment, you were hit if you used any kind of colorful language. I grew up in a one-bedroom apartment with my mother and twin sister. There was no male influence. My sister and I slept in the same room for 18 years and not once did I even see her in a bra. I was unfamiliar with sexual-related language, let alone actual participation.
He proceeded to say, “If I were you, I'd go home and choke the chicken!” I honestly had no idea what he meant for I had never choked a chicken! When I asked him what he was talking about, he replied. “Charlie, you know, clean your rifle, paint the ceiling, Jack in the beanstalk, and hold the sausage hostage.” I swear I had no idea what he was talking about!
I had to ask what he meant. Although I had heard the word masturbation before, I honestly didn't know its meaning. He explained all the guys were doing it, but the Catholic School boys feared going blind. He warned me it was a sin and might grow hair on my palms. Still, I borrowed a National Geographic Magazine along with a picture of a bra and headed home!
Making Out 101
My interaction with this lovely high school co-ed transformed, after being informed of the romantic possibilities. I still fondly remember our romantic rendezvous and her patient guidance in the hallway of her building on Sherman Avenue in The Bronx.
I must admit in my teens, hallways became my choice for romantic trysts. I might have been a bit of a hallway slut.
A culture of sexually inquisitive boys and girls existed that I knew nothing about. In the 1950s, parents did not talk about sex with their children so an underbelly of normal and curious teenagers, myself included, had to find out on their own.
The Stud Farm
On September 14, 1972, Rolling Stone stated:
"Three Dog Night looks like an advertisement for a stud farm."
My partners were very flattered, but I felt the statement was meant to minimize our achievements. I resented what I saw as the writer negating our talent and the magnitude of the success we had achieved by focusing on our appearance. The cover story went on to further diminish our artistic excellence by creating the misconception that we were marionettes controlled by management who made all the decisions and had created this mega moneymaking machine of pretty boy toys.
I Digress!
I've always believed most boys and men are pigs concerning their attitude towards girls and women; however, my opinion broadened once I became a successful musician to include a new breed of liberated young ladies. With my first success, I contributed my newfound sexual appeal to the phenomenon of The Negron Curse, but soon came to realize I was just one of many Rock & Rollers being pursued by this brazen group.
Some of these lovely ladies viewed us as sexual objects. Some wanted souvenirs in the form of plaster casts of our privates. To others, we were a name to add to their list of Rock & Roll conquests. Nevertheless, I loved seeing them at the concerts for they were a barometer of our status and success.
Just over 12 years ago, while cutting fruit, I sliced my finger severing a nerve and causing significant bleeding. At the Emergency Room, I noticed people who came in after me were being seen. When I finally inquired as to why, I was told the older patients and those needing urgent care were seen first. I explained no one talked to me concerning the seriousness of my injury when I checked in so you couldn't possibly be aware of my condition.
He asked me my name. When I told him, he said we thought Mr. Negron had left when we didn't see him in the waiting room. I explained, “I'm Mr. Negron! I never left.” He sheepishly replied that he had seen me, but dismissed the thought I was the 65-year-old man he was looking for. The curse struck again! I was too svelte, well groomed, and a little too attractive to be cut and bleeding. The dreaded visual evaluation had put me at the end of the line!
I received 10 stitches and was told to stop taking aspirin to lessen the bleeding. I also had severe nerve damage which would need surgery. I never had the time nor inclination for surgery so all these years later, my finger still feels like pins and needles running through it, but I look better than ever!
You Want to What!?!
If you travel by air, you are sadly aware of what a stressful and demanding experience it can be—requiring one surrender after another. You are a powerless lemming controlled by individuals, who at times are lacking in basic common sense! I'm certain these aficionados of security have strict guidelines and protocol they are required to follow, allowing them to only utilize linear thinking when dealing with the old, crippled, and impaired travelers.
For those who do not know, I travel with oxygen for my COPD.
When I approach a TSA inspection area, I am wearing my oxygen simulator, cannula in nose, and am often in a wheelchair. Even so, the following ensued recently:
TSA: Sir, can you take off the oxygen?
CN: Of course, it's ONLY a fashion statement!
TSA: Will you be wearing it on the flight?
CN: No! I only utilize it when I'm training for the Ironman Triathlon!
TSA: Can you take off your shoes?
CN: NO! I can't even put them on!
TSA: Sir, would you please take off your shoes?
CN: I'm 77 years old and no longer required to remove my shoes per TSA regulations.
TSA: You're what?
Ami: He is 77 years old, on oxygen, and in a wheelchair. What's wrong with you?
TSA: Can I see some ID? (He carded me!)
The next agent was a young man who was seemingly nervous as he began his speech concerning what areas of my body he would be fondling.
TSA: I'm going to rub your groin and your buttocks area with the backside of my hand, do you mind?
CN: No, it's the only reason I fly.
TSA: Sir, would you rather do this in private?
CN: Can I trust you?
Ami and I were finally boarding the plane, but then, a Steward, or Air Host, assertively inquired:
Air Host: Does he really need to use the oxygen during the flight? If he does, we will need a prescription from your Doctor, paperwork acknowledging the Federal Aviation Administration approves the oxygen simulator you're using, paperwork from our airline approving the use of your machine on the flight, batteries for eight hours of travel, and I'll also need to be included in your Will!
Ami: The airline hasn't required paperwork for almost three years. We have a sufficient amount of batteries.
Air Host: We'll see about that!
That would be the last time we saw him for once he found out Ami knew more than he did concerning the rules, he managed to avoid us the entire flight. No apology, no assistance, just unprofessional indifference due to the underlying belief that attractive individuals don't need special consideration or assistance so they will NOT get any! Ami and I encounter many of these road blocks every time we fly!
What is more difficult, not getting what you want or accepting what you get?
Beware...Beauty Kills!
Truthfully, acceptance has become a blessing in my life. When I stop fighting everything and everyone, and come to terms with my extraordinary good looks, I immediately realize I have taken a positive step in accepting The Negron Curse!
How about you? Life is often difficult, full of disappointment and loss. Embracing who we are and how we look is paramount. I learned that rest, exercise, and good diet exacerbate my condition. I found myself staying up for days, not eating, smoking, drinking, and doing drugs in hopes of arresting my condition to no avail! As the years passed. my condition worsened. By age 21, I was a 6'1", 180-pound boy toy, an easy score, and a harlot!
A respected doctor I knew recommended a therapist who might be of assistance to me on my emotional journey. Ultimately, her guidance aided me in understanding we don't always get what we want, but we learn to accept what we have. In time, with therapy, I accepted there was more to me than my good looks. I no longer needed to accommodate all females who made romantic overtures to me.
My therapist explained that some people view the “Terminally Good Looking” as slow, shallow, and enjoying wonderful lives simply based on how they look. She also felt the correlation between a person’s appearance and how they are treated is detrimental to all concerned. It is possibly an inherent character flaw in many individuals who evaluate others based on appearance, for that often leads to inaccurate or judgmental characterizations of people we otherwise know nothing about.
She also expanded my limited knowledge of romance by enlightening me on the Kama Sutraand the importance of flexibility. I was informed and she had left the therapeutic community (something about an American Counseling Code of Ethics infraction.)
A Cold & Foggy Night
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Convention is a huge event held at the Anaheim Convention Center. NAMM is the global crossroads of music, sound, and event technology attended by people from all over the world.
I agreed to perform on the Yamaha Grand Stage on closing night. Unfortunately, on the night of the concert, I was dealing with the last stages of antibiotics and steroids for my pneumonia. At that time, I wasn't comfortable having the industry and fans know I used oxygen so I didn't bring it to the show. It was a cold and foggy night for an outdoor concert so Ami and I were concerned about getting me on and off the stage and back inside as soon as possible.
To run a show with many established artists, such as Elton John and Stevie Wonder who have appeared at previous NAMM events, takes many people and dedicated volunteers to make it happen. The NAMM convention and concerts last three days. Each day, the glitches and mishaps of the previous day are addressed for an ongoing, problem solving process.
One issue that I was unaware of was artists had been arriving at the Yamaha Grand Stage later than the production manager felt comfortable with so from that point on, all acts were brought down early. Not a problem on a beautiful California night, but a bad situation for me on a cold, damp, and foggy night. Ami explained our dilemma to an assistant in The Green Room. I needed to remain inside until shortly before I was to perform. When I spoke with her, she subtly implied I might be attempting to receive special treatment and possibly not be sick. She stated, “You look pretty good for someone with pneumonia!” I then said, “That’s because I’m good looking, but I’m still sick with pneumonia!”
When we were told it was time to leave. we were led to a cold tent directly behind the stage. Bill Chapman from Chicago and other artists were there including Floyd Sneed, my dear friend and band mate from Three Dog Night. Ami and I quickly learned our request to remain indoors as long as possible had been ignored. It would be 45 minutes before my stage call, which turned into over an hour in the cold. It was distressing and set in motion some unpleasant events. For the most part, I am a cordial man, but when my health is put in jeopardy, especially at an event in which I'm donating my time in support of the LA music scene and NAMM, I WILL let you know if I'm unhappy!
It was too far to walk back to The Green Room. Leaving the event was the best option for my health, but I just couldn't do that to my fans so I was stuck! I was angry and fearful. Floyd Sneed kept me engaged as Ami did everything possible to help the situation. By the time I received my stage call, I felt fine and was looking forward to performing.
As I made my way onto the stage, someone grabbed my jacket stopping me in my tracks. A gentleman in his forties, who looked totally out of place, had his hand wrapped around the shoulder portion of my jacket holding it so I couldn't proceed. Even after I laughingly asked him to "Use your words," he just looked at me with my coat held tightly in his hand. My boyish good looks must have disguised a 6'1”, 200-pound, Bronx-trained man who might take issue with being handled!
I later found out he was a dentist as well as the NAMM volunteer in charge of keeping everyone but artists off the stage. Again, the production manager had been upset by too many individuals not associated with the show being on the stage during previous performances and had sternly requested this volunteer stay on top of it. Instead of finding out what the next artist looked like—utilizing some initiative, common sense, and appropriate behavior, he instead chose to physically stop me from gaining access to the stage area. I must reiterate, it was The Negron Curse coming into play once again.
The volunteer only knew that one of the members of Three Dog Night would be performing. When I entered the stage, he felt I was too young to have been in a band from the 60s and 70s. Flattering? No! At this point I couldn't care less about anything but getting to the microphone with enough time to catch my breath so this issue remained unresolved. The show went well. The crowd and the band were great. As far as I know, everyone had a good time.
After my performance, Ami and I proceeded to leave the stage area when the volunteer came into view. He wasn’t there to apologize or thank me for my participation at NAMM, but to further stimulate bad will. The reality of the situation is that I am an older gentleman, about 30 years older than this guy, who would hope to be treated appropriately. I am not dead and will not allow aggressive individuals to put their hands on me.
There was a time when confrontation would have not just been warranted, but also an understandable behavior. Of course, that mentality is passé for now people shoot one another instead. Although I may appear to be posturing and my thinking somewhat archaic, the truth is I'm too old to fight, yet too young to lay down. I found myself walking towards him in hopes of working on his teeth, perhaps a good cleaning, when he mockingly smiled at me initiating the launching of a right cross towards him.
Unbeknownst to me, Ami had picked up on the silent, but aggressive language between us and was moving quickly to intervene. Amazingly, she appeared between us as I was throwing my right hand. Even more fortunate, Ami wasn't hurt as the blow bounced off her shoulder. She then physically moved me away from the altercation!
I was frightened I had hurt her, but Ami was more upset that I would do something like that in front of my peers at a high-profile industry event. Ami was correct, and a total professional and caring partner. The actual act of fighting is ugly, dangerous, and in this particular instance, could have been harmful to Ami, the dentist, and me by resulting in jail or worse! I was wrong and I will never forget my outrageous behavior nor repeat it again...I'll go with the left hook next time!
Our basic instincts can aid us in a visceral sense when in jeopardy, but these instincts, or survival mechanisms, can be of little aid in a world of people with sharpened social skills to the point of sociopathic-like behavior. The willingness and ability of so many to change their appearance with plastic surgery, Botox, and a cornucopia of beautification procedures make it impossible to obtain an accurate read on many.
An obvious and simplistic fact, "You can't judge a book by its cover," should be adhered to. We need to delve deeper than just what we see for the essence of every human being lives within them!
*Borrowed from “Acceptance Was the Answer” in The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
